Just two weeks after S’bu Ndebele becomes transport minister, the Vukuzakhe programme, which has benefited from a R400m government contract, gives him two head of cattle and a Mercedes-Benz S500. He happily accepts the gift and consults the president to check if he is allowed to keep it.

Talk Radio 702 host David O’Sullivan has DJ recommended that Ndebele donate the car - or proceeds from its sale - to charity.

A few years ago, I watched a celebrity episode of The Weakest Link. I can’t remember who won, but I do remember the winner said he or she would give their winnings to charity. What an act of generosity. Their fame gave them an opportunity to give publicly and to gain respect from fans, who would have a new sense of deep respect for the person they already admired. The original reason for their being admired was overshadowed by their extraordinary generosity.

Ndebele, too, is famous: he’s famous because he’s a cabinet minister with a lot of responsibility to deliver to South Africans. Considering his important job, his salary, I’m sure, is substantial enough for him to purchase his own luxury car.

If Ndebele could turn the media furore around by shocking the public and donating the car to charity, he would instantly heighten his credibility as a generous cabinet minister. It would also do a lot for his reputation and send a strong message to other prospective government contractors that expensive gifts are not for personal satisfaction but for maximising utility for as many South Africans as possible.

How wonderful it could be if everyone in government used gifts as a free way to promote their generosity and credibility by simply declaring and then donating them to worthwhile charities.